Shloka 38
Bhīmasena’s Kalinga Engagement and the Approach of Bhīṣma (भीमसेन-कालिङ्ग-संग्रामः)
बाहुभिश्षचापरे छिन्नैः पार्श्ेषु च विदारिता: । क्रन्दन्त: समदृश्यन्त तृषिता जीवितेप्सव:
bāhubhiś cāpare chinnaiḥ pārśveṣu ca vidāritāḥ | krandantaḥ samadṛśyanta tṛṣitā jīvitepsavaḥ, bhārata |
サञ्जयは言った。ほかの者たちは、腕を断たれ、脇腹と肋骨を裂かれているのが見えた。激痛に叫び、渇きに焼かれ、それでもなお命にすがりつく—おお、バーラタよ—それは戦の陰惨な道義の代価を示す。全き破滅のただ中にあっても、生き延びようとする本能は消えないのである。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical gravity of war: even amid horrific mutilation, beings cling to life. It invites reflection on dharma and the human cost behind martial glory, stirring compassion and sobriety about violence.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the battlefield scene: many warriors lie grievously wounded—arms cut off, sides torn—crying out, tormented by thirst, yet still yearning to survive.